Restore Full Funding for DIsability Services in NYS

We are so close to getting the 6% funding cut to OPWDD services restored.  The NYS Senate and Assembly have unilaterally joined together to recommend restoring funding back into the budget, but we need all of our voices to let Gov. Cuomo and our state representatives know that services for people with developemental disabilities are NOT up for negotiation.  Please join me in contacting the Senate and Assembly via phone calls and email.

Negotiations on the 2013-14 State Budget continue in Albany. NYSACRA has learned the mental hygiene budget, specific to the restoration of the 6% cut to the not for profit developmental disabilities sector is the subject of intense negotiations between the Assembly, Senate and Executive. A full restoration, as contained in the Assembly and Senate one-house approved budget measures, is in jeopardy.  Therefore, we call upon you to make five telephone calls today and tomorrow. 

Please contact your member of the State Assembly and your member of the State Senate, Also call Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Republican Conference Leader Dean Skelos and Senate Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein (see contact information below).

Here is your message:

"Thank you, again, for the restoration of the 6% cut to the not for profit developmental disabilities providers in your one-house budget bill. We understand negotiations are ongoing and the full restoration is in jeopardy.  Please remain committed to the full restoration in the final State Budget.  People with developmental disabilities and agencies are counting on you.  Thank you for your leadership."

To contact your Senator call the Senate Operator at 518-455-2800 and ask to be transferred to your Senator's Office. You may also visit the Senate website at www.nysenate.gov to obtain your Senator's direct Albany office telephone number. 

To contact your Assembly member call the Assembly Operator at 518-455-4100 and ask to be transferred to your Assembly member's Office. You may also visit the Assembly website at www.assembly.state.ny.us to locate your Assembly member's direct Albany office telephone number.

The following are contact numbers for key leadership in the State Legislature:

Senator Dean Skelos:                        518-455-3171

Senator Jeff Klein:                             518-455-3595

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:     518-455-3791